Written by: Jen K

Released: November 7, 2024

The Pacific Northwest is widely known for its rich and varied musical scene, a place where influences from across the country and beyond merge into distinctive sounds. One of the region's most significant musical influences comes from just down the coast—the Bay Area.

For Nap’n Azz Rick, however, the Bay is more than just a source of inspiration; it’s where his roots were first planted, and that influence is deeply embedded in his music. Yet, Rick doesn’t merely replicate the sound of his origins—he reshapes it by blending in the raw, relentless hustle of the place he calls home, Tacoma, WA. His music is a true fusion of Bay Area style and the gritty determination that defines life in the Pacific Northwest.

Rick’s journey to this point has been anything but ordinary. His story is one of resilience, a deep passion for his craft, and a drive to overcome every obstacle in his path. From his humble beginnings to making waves in the independent music scene, he has remained committed to authenticity and staying true to his roots. We sat down with Rick to dive into his background, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and what’s on the horizon for this rising artist.

When it comes to Nap’n Azz Rick’s stage name, there’s a pretty cut and dry story behind it. “This girl I knew had called me that one day after a conversation we were having and I just ran with it,” Rick explained.

The name is original, memorable, and perfectly fits Rick’s persona we see in his music videos—confident and unmistakably his own. It’s clear from the start that Rick isn’t interested in blending in; he’s here to stand out.

Though Rick was born in the Bay Area, he was raised in Tacoma, Washington, a place that has helped shape his unique perspective as an artist. While his sound carries a heavy Bay Area influence, Rick’s approach to music is undeniably marked by his PNW roots. He spent countless hours absorbing the sounds of legendary Bay Area figures like Mac Dre, Brotha Lynch, X-Raided, and RBL Posse (just to name a few) which have all had a profound impact on his music. But his life in Tacoma provided the grit and hustle that’s evident in his tracks. His music blends the swagger and energy of the Bay Area with the resilience of the Pacific Northwest.

Nap’n Azz Rick has faced a number of trials that began when he dropped out of high school in ninth grade. This event set him on an unconventional path that forced him to really hustle. At 20, he faced a major setback with a felony strike, an experience that left a permanent mark and intensified his drive to make something of himself. Then, at 25, Rick became a father, a life-changing moment that added even more urgency to his grind.

These experiences find their way into Rick’s music, shaping the narratives he shares in his lyrics. Each verse reflects the realities he’s faced and his relentless hustle to overcome them. For Rick, music isn’t just a passion—it’s a testament to his journey and the lessons he’s learned, blending authenticity with the grit that comes from a life spent working to rise above.

For Rick, music was always more than just a hobby—it was a necessary escape. “Music was a getaway for me as a child,” he explains. “I was dealing with a lot of personal stuff so music was my way of escaping the things I didn’t want to deal with. My cousin was making rap music at the time and I was in like 2nd grade and instantly knew this is what I wanted to do. So I just kept working on it over the years. I used to battle other kids in middle school and was always recognized as somebody who could flow. I also think I stood out a little bit being the only Mexican doing it. As time went on, I just went on a journey of creating all different kinds of music until I found my style, which is what you hear now in my music.”

Rick began writing music at the age of eight or nine, recording his tracks on a karaoke machine and passing them out to friends. But it wasn’t until 2006 that he began recording in actual studios, though he admits he didn’t release much of his work during that time. “I was making a shit load of it and just never put it out,” he says. It wasn’t until 2021 that Nap’n Azz Rick began to take his craft seriously.

Rick's approach to making music is driven by the hustle, a theme that resonates throughout his work. He moves away from the aggression-filled narratives of drill rap, choosing instead to create a sound that embodies the real-life grind. “The music I make is not on no drill and kill type shit,” Rick says. “I make music for the playaz and hustlas.”

Every artist has a way of tapping into their creativity, whether it’s freestyling on the spot, writing for hours, or letting inspiration strike at random moments. But for Nap’n Azz Rick, his process is a reflection of his own unique rhythm, deeply personal and built on solitude. “I’ve never been one to get in the studio and write with other people. That’s never been my thing and never will be,” he shares. Whether he’s cruising solo in his car or vibing at home with his stereo blasting different beats, Rick finds his best flow in isolation. “I block everything out and zone out. I have to be in my own space. That’s just how I work.”

His approach to songwriting is intentional, not just about the lyrics but the full experience of the song. “I learned to enjoy the overall sound of a song. Not just lyrics, but the composition as well. I pay attention to every little noise or sound. So now when I make my own music, I make sure that it’s put together strategically from the beat to the concept of the song.”

By the time he steps into the studio, Rick is fully prepared. “I usually rehearse the songs about a few hundred times before I go in the studio,” he explains. “That way, when I get in the booth, it’s recording more from memory than reading off something.”

Nap’n Azz Rick’s live performance debut was a milestone. “I ain’t never been to a concert EVER,” he admits. “But my first performance was in Portland, July 2023. I opened up for San Francisco artist, Lil Kayla.” Performing on stage for the first time no doubt was a reminder of how far he’d come—and a sign of where he’s headed.

Though his live performances are still in the early stages, Rick has big aspirations. “I’ve got a long way to go before I can really experience that full fan engagement,” he says, but it’s clear he’s ready for what’s next.

Rick has built a reputation for his impressive consistency in dropping new music. With a steady flow of releases over the past few years, he has kept his fans engaged and eager for more. From the launch of his debut, “The Movement EP” in 2021 to his string of singles and projects in 2023 and 2024, Rick never lets the momentum slow down. His ability to consistently deliver fresh and top quality content, whether it’s full-length projects like “New Age Pimp’n (Vol. 1)” or singles like “72 BARz” and “Slide Up In You,” shows his relentless drive and commitment to his craft.

This consistency has allowed him to stay relevant in a fast-paced industry, constantly refining his sound and keeping his fanbase excited for what's next. With each release, Rick proves that he's not just a one-hit wonder, but an artist dedicated to his journey, building his legacy one track at a time.

---

**Current Discography:**

1. The Movement EP - September 2021

2. New Age Pimp’n (Vol. 1) - March 2023

3. Again - November 2023

4. Risk It All - December 2023

5. Business & Pleasure - December 2023

6. 72 BARz - January 2024

7. Slide Up In You - February 2024

8. Hot Shit - March 2024

9. Urban Farmin’ - April 2024

10. Round Da Clock - May 2024

11. Supa Fly - June 2024

12. The Feature - July 2024

13. Gettin Money - August 2024

14. The Drop (Vol. 1) - September 2024

(An album compiling all his recent singles into one cohesive project.)

Rick is only at the beginning of his journey, with plenty more music on the way. He's already got fans buzzing with anticipation for his next album, “New Age Pimpin’ (Vol 2),”which is set to drop in Spring 2025. This upcoming release promises to raise the bar even higher, as it’s rumored to feature a special collaboration with one of the artists who had a huge influence on him growing up. This exciting addition not only honors Rick's roots but also marks a major milestone in his career, adding depth and authenticity to his sound as he continues to evolve.

Alongside his music, Nap’n Azz Rick has also been talking about an upcoming merch line. “I’m getting ready to have merch on the way and I’m gonna keep bringing this playa shit to your speakers. The merch is gonna be crazy so definitely be on the lookout for that. Make sure to give me a follow if you’re new to this. You don’t want to miss the movement.”

Rick is also constantly dropping new content on his Instagram, keeping his followers engaged with behind-the-scenes moments, updates, and more. When asked how he engages with his fans online, he responded, “I just make sure to respond to everyone in some form of way. Whether it be a comment or a like, I just want them to know, ‘hey, I notice you rockin’ with me and supporting my music. As an artist, I appreciate that.”

For Rick, the ultimate message is clear: “Never stop accumulating paper.” It’s not just about the money—it’s about pushing forward, no matter the obstacles, and staying true to the grind.

His advice to aspiring artists is to love what you do, and to completely commit. “If you’re gonna do this, do it because you truly love doing this shit! Don’t just do it because you think you’re going to get rich. You gotta love what you do because then everything you do along the way will come so much easier for you. You will make way more music, have way more song ideas, and you’re less likely to have writers block because you will always be inspired by something in your life and won’t feel the pressure of writing just to write.

Also, be ready to spend money because if you want to do everything the right way, none of it is free. You have to be willing to invest in yourself if you want people to take you serious.”

For an artist who only began taking his craft seriously in recent years, Nap’n Azz Rick’s work stands out as top-tier. His sound is sharp, his production is polished, and his lyrics resonate with an authenticity that’s rare for someone still in the early stages of their journey. Every track he releases showcases a level of professionalism and attention to detail that rivals seasoned artists, making it clear that Rick’s commitment to his craft is unmatched. His ability to create music that feels both fresh and timeless, with hard-hitting beats and lyrics, speaks to his natural talent and the rapid growth he’s experienced in such a short time. It’s evident that Rick isn’t just playing catch-up—he’s already setting the bar high for what’s to come.

Follow him and subscribe by clicking the social media/music logos at the top of this article! You won’t regret it!